Kervorkian Assists Youngest Suicide

A paralyzed university student who won the right to leave a hospital Thursday afternoon and consult with Dr. Jack Kevorkian committed suicide just hours later with his help, Kevorkian's lawyer said.

Roosevelt Dawson, 21, an Oakland University student from Southfield, had been unable to use his arms and legs and had depended on a ventilator to breathe since a viral infection attacked his spinal cord 13 months ago. He left a Grand Rapids hospital earlier Thursday after being hospitalized there for five months.

Kevorkian attorney Geoffrey Fieger said Dawson, who is the youngest person known to have committed suicide with Kevorkian's help, died between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. with his mother at his side.

"His last words to his mother were 'I love you,' and he said it three times," Fieger said outside the apartment building where Dawson lived with his mother.

Fieger, who also represented Dawson, said Kevorkian and Dawson had spoken by telephone several times over the last few months.

"I can tell you that Roosevelt Dawson is in a better place," he said.

Police had been on the scene for at least two hours and Kevorkian and his associates Neil Nicol, and Dr. Georges Reding were seen leaving the apartment before Fieger arrived.